Samhain
celtic pronounced "sow" (rhymes with ‘now’) "en" (Ireland), sow-een (Wales) - "mh" in the middle is a "w" sound
- Greater Sabbat(High Holiday) - Fire Festival
Oct 31-Nov 1(North Hemisphere) - Apr 30-May 1 (South Hemisphere)
AKA:
The Great Sabbat, Samhiunn, Samana, Samhuin, Sam-fuin, Samonios, Hallowe’en, Hallomas, All Hallows Eve, All Saints/All Souls Day(Catholic), Day of the Dead(Mexican), Witches’ New Year, Trinoux Samonia, Celtic/ Druid New Year, Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scotttish/Celtic) Lá Samhna (Modern Irish), Festival of the Dead, Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess), Hallowtide (Scottish Gaelis Dictionary), Feast of All Souls, Nos Galen-gae-of Night of the Winter Calends (Welsh), La Houney or Hollantide Day, Sauin or Souney ( Manx), oidhche na h-aimiléise-the night of mischief or confusion(Ireland), Oidhche Shamna (Scotland)
Animals/Mythical beings:
bats, cats, dogs, pooka, goblin,medusa, beansidhe, harpies
Gemstones:
black stones, jet, obsidian, onyx, carnelian
Incense/Oil:
frankincense, basil, yarrow, lilac, camphor, clove, wood rose, wormwood, myrrh, patchouli, apple, heliotrope, mint, nutmeg, sage, ylang-ylang
Colors/Candles:
black (ward off negativity), orange (good luck), indigo, homemade apple or mint scented herbal candles to light jack-o-lanterns or for altar candles
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
black altar cloth, Halloween items, jack o’ lanterns, oak leaves, acorns, straw, balefire, besom, black cat, black crescent moon, cauldron, divination tools, grain, magic mirror, mask, bare branches, animal bones, hazelwood, pictures of ancestors
Goddesses:
The Crone, Hecate(Greek), Cerridwen(Welsh-Scottish), Arianrhod(Welsh), Caillech (Irish-Scottish), Baba Yaga (Russian), Al-Ilat(persian), Bast (Egyptian), Persephone(Greek), Hel(Norse), Kali(Hindu), all Death & Otherworld Goddesses
Gods:
Horned Hunter(European), Cernnunos(Greco-Celtic), Osiris(Egyptian), Hades(Greek), Gwynn ap Nudd (British), Anubis(Egyptian), Coyote Brother (Native American), Loki (Norse), Dis (Roman), Arawn (Welsh), Sacrificial/Dying/Aging Gods, Death and Otherworld Gods
Essence:
magick, plenty; knowledge, the night, death & rebirth, success, protection; rest, new beginning; ancestors; lifting of the veil, mundane laws in abeyance, return, change
Dynamics/Meaning:
death & transformation, Wiccan new year,wisdom of the Crone, end of summer, honoring, thinning of the veil between worlds, death of the year, time outside of time, night of the Wild Hunt, begin new projects, end old projects
Purpose:
honoring the dead, especially departed ancestors, knowing we will not be forgotten; clear knowledge of our path; guidance, protection, celebrating reincarnation
Rituals/Magicks:
foreseeing future, honoring/consulting ancestors, releasing the old, power, understanding death and rebirth, entering the underworld, divination, dance of the dead, fire calling, past life recall
Customs:
ancestor altar, costumes, divination, carving jack o’ lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts, fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, washing clothes
Foods:
apple, pumpkin pie, pomegranate, pumpkin, squash, hazelnuts, corn, cranberry muffins, bread, ale, cider and herbal tea
Herbs:
allspice, broom, comfry, dandelion, deadly nightshade, mugwort, catnip, dittany of Crete, ferns, flax, fumitory, mandrake, mullein, dragon’s blood, sage, straw, thistles, oak(leaf), wormwood (burn to protect from roving spirits)
Element/Gender:
water/male
Threshold:
midnight
top
Yule
Lesser Sabbat - Winter Solstice,
circa Dec 21
AKA:
Jul ("wheel", Old Norse), Saturnalia(Rome Yuletide(Teutonic), Midwinter, Fionn's Day, Alban Arthuan, Christmas (ChristianDecember 25), Xmas, Festival of Sol, Solar/Secular/Pagan New Year
Animals/Mythical beings:
yule goat (nordic), reindeer stag, squirrels, yule cat, Sacred White Buffalo, Kallikantzaroi-ugly chaos monsters(greek), trolls, phoenix, yule elf, jule gnome, squirrels, wren/robin
Gemstones:
cat's eye, ruby, diamond, garnet, bloodstone
Incense/Oils:
bayberry, cedar, ginger, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, nutmeg, wintergreen, saffron
Colors/Candles:
gold, silver, red, green, white
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
bayberry candles, evergreens, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia,mistletoe, lights, gifts, Yule log, Yule tree. spinning wheels, wreaths, bells, mother & child images
Goddesses:
Great Mother, Befana (strega), Holda (teutonic), Isis(egyptian), Triple Goddess, Mary(christian), Tonazin(mexican), Lucina(roman), St. Lucy (swedish),Bona Dea (roman), Mother Earth, Eve(Hebrew), Ops(roman Holy Mother), the Snow Queen, Hertha (German), Frey (Norse)
Gods:
Sun Child, Saturn(rome), Cronos (Greek), Horus/Ra(egyptian), Jesus(christian-gnostic), Mithras(persian), Balder(Norse), Santa Claus/Odin(teutonic), Holly King, Sol Invicta, Janus(God of Beginnings), Marduk (Babylonian)Old Man Winter
Essence:
honor, rebirth, transformation, light out of darkness, creative inspiration, the mysteries, new life, regeneration, inner renewal, reflection/introspection
Dynamics/Meaning:
death of the Holly (winter) King; reign of the Oak (summer) King), begin the ordeal of the Green Man, death & rebirth of the Sun God; night of greatest lunar imbalance; sun’s rebirth; shortest day of year
Purpose:
honor the Triple Goddess, welcome the Sun Child
Rituals/Magicks:
personal renewal, world peace, honoring family & friends, Festival of light, meditation
Customs:
lights, gift-exchanging, singing, feasting, resolutions, new fires kindled, strengthening family & friend bonds, generosity, yule log, hanging mistletoe, apple wassailing, burning candles, Yule tree decorating; kissing under mistletoe; needfire at dawn vigil; bell ringing/sleigh-bells; father yule<>
Foods:
nuts, apple, pear, caraway cakes soaked with cider, pork, orange, hibiscus or ginger tea, roasted turkey, nuts, fruitcake, dried fruit, cookies, eggnog, mulled wine
Herbs:
blessed thistle, evergreen, moss, oak, sage, bay, bayberry, cedar, pine, frankincense, ginger, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, myrrh, pinecones, rosemary, chamomile, cinnamon, valarion, yarrow
Element/Gender:
earth
Threshold:
dawn
top
2 - when the sun reaches 15-degrees Aquarius
AKA:
Imbolg (Celtic), Candlemas (Christian), Brigantia (Caledonii), Oimelc, Festival of Light, Brigid’s (Brid, Bride) Day, La Fheill, An Fheille Bride, Candelaria (Mexico), Chinese New Year, Disting-tid (Feb 14th, Teutonic), DisaBlot, Anagantios, Lupercalia/Lupercus (Strega), Groundhog Day, Valentines Day
Animals/Mythical beings:
firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation
Gemstones:
amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise
Incense/Oil:
jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, and wisteria, apricot, carnation
Colors/Candles:
brown, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
white flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid wheel, Brigid’s cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red candle in a cauldron full of earth, doll, Bride's Bed; the Bride, broom, milk, birchwood, snowflakes, snow in a crystal container,evergreens, homemade besom of dried broom, orange candle annointed in oil (see above)can be used to sybolize the renewing energy of the Sun’s rebirth.
Goddesses:
Virgin Goddess, Venus, Diana, Februa, Maiden, Child Goddess, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Vesta, Gaia, Brigid, Selene(Greek), Branwen(Manx-Welsh)
Gods:
young Sun Gods, Pan, Cupid/Eros(Greco-Roman), Dumuzi(Sumerian)
Essence:
conception, initiation, insight, inspiration, creativity, mirth, renewal, dedication, breath of life, life-path, wise counsel, plan, prepare
Dynamics/Meaning:
first stirring of Mother Earth, lambing, growth of the Sun God, the middle of winter
Purpose:
honoring the Virgin Goddess, festival of the Maiden/Light
Rituals/Magicks:
cleansing; purification, renewal, creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house & temple blessings, welcoming Brigid, feast of milk & bread
Customs:
lighting candles, seeking omens of Spring, storytelling, cleaning house, bonfires, indoor planting, stone collecting, candle kept burning dusk till dawn; hearth re-lighting
Foods:
dairy, spicy foods, raisins, pumpkin, sesame & sunflower seeds, poppyseed bread/cake, honey cake, pancakes, waffles, herbal tea
Herbs:
angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, clover, heather, myrrh, all yellow flowers, willow
Element/Gender: earth/female
Threshold:
midnight
top
Ostara
( Oh-star-ah) - Lesser Sabbat - Spring/Vernal Equinox,
March 20-21st - when the Sun enters Ares
AKA:
Ostre, Oestre, Eostre, Rites of Spring, Eostra’s Day, Lady Day, First Day of Spring, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Alban Eiler, Bacchanalia
Animals/Mythical beings:
unicorn, merpeople, pegasus, rabbit/easter bunny, chicks, swallows, snakes
Gemstones:
rose quartz, moonstone, amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, red jasper
Incense/Oil:
african violet, lotus, jasmine, rose, magnolia, sage lavender, narcissus, ginger, broom, strawberry
Colors/Candles:
gold, light green, grass green, robin’s egg blue, lemon yellow, pale pink, anything pastel
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
colored eggs, baskets, green clothes, shamrock, equilateral cross, butterfly, cocoons, sprouting plants; violets, lily, spring wildflowers, new clothes, lamb, hare/rabbit
Goddesses:
Eostre (Saxon Goddess of Fertility), Ostara (the German Goddess of Fertility) (Teutonic)Kore, Maiden, Isis, Astarte(Persia, GrecoRoman), Ishtar(Babylonian), Minerva(Roman), Youthful Goddesses. Faerie Queen, Lady of the Lake(Welsh-Cornish), the Green Goddess
Gods:
Hare, Green Man, Youthful Gods, Warrior Gods, Taliesin, Lord of the Greenwood (English), Dagda(Irish), Cernunnos(Greco-Celtic), Pan(Greek), Adonis(Greek)
Essence:
strength, birthing, completion, power, love, sexuality, embodiment of spirit, fertility, opening, beginning
Dynamics/Meaning:
the God comes of age, sexual union of the Lord & Lady, sprouting, greening, balance of light and dark
Purpose:
plant and animal fertility, sowing
Rituals/Magicks:
spellcrafting, invention, new growth, new projects, seed blessing
Customs:
wearing green, new clothes, celtic bird festival, egg baskets coloring eggs, collecting birds eggs, bird watching, egg hunts, starting new projects, spring planting
Foods:
light foods, fish, maple sugar candies, hot crossed buns, sweet breads, hard boiled eggs, honey cakes, seasonal fruits, milk punch, egg drinks
Herbs:
acorns, celandine, tansy,cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Irish moss, ginger, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, rose, hyssop, linden, strawberry, voilets
Element/Gender:
air/male(solar)
Threshold:
dawn
top
tene is ‘fire’. Hence, Beltane means "brilliant fire, - Major Sabbat (High Holiday) - Fire Festival
April 30-May 1st
AKA:
Bhealltainn, Bealtaine, Beltaine, Beltinna, Lady Day; Samhradh; La Baal Tinne May Eve, May Day, Walspurgis Night, Rudemas, Walburgal, Giamonios, Shenn do Boaldyn, Galan Mae, Whitsun, Rudemas, Festival of Tana(Strega)
Animals/Mythical beings:
the white cow, goats, giants, rabbits, honey bees, faeries, satyrs, pegasus
Gemstones:
emerald, orange carnelian, sapphire, rose quartz, lazuli, sapphire, yellow agate, bloodstone
Incense/Oil:
passion flower, frankincense, tuberose, vanilla, lilac, rose
Colors/Candles:
red & white (symbolizing God and Goddess), dark green, dark yellow, rainbow spectrum, blue, pastels, all colors
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
maypole & ribbons, flower crowns, fires, bowers, fields, May baskets, white flowers and ribbons, daisy chain, flower chaplet, white wine in clear crystal glass, chalice, butterchurn, blackthorn & hawthorn branches, seasonal fruit
Goddesses:
May Queen, Flora, Maia, Flower Goddesses, Lady of the Greenwood, Divine Couples, andGoddesses of the Hunt, Aphrodite(Greek) Blodewedd(Welsh), Erzulie(Voodun), Baubo(Greek)Rhea(Cretean), Prithvi(Hindu)
Gods:
May King, Jack in the Green, Horned God(European), Herne (Greek), Green Man, Bel(Celtic), Baal (Phoenician), Gods of the Hunt,
Essence:
compassion, youthful play, exhuberance, sensuality, pleasure, action
Dynamics/Meaning:
sacred marriage of the Lord and the Lady, arrival of the Tuatha de Dannan in Ireland
Purpose:
fertility festival, celebrate 1st day of Celtic summer, 1st day of the light half of the year
Rituals/Magicks:
The Great Rite, love, romance & fertility magicks, elf & faery power, offerings to elementals, crop blessings, relighting sacred fires, divination, building shrines, fire-calling, honoring house guardians, snake dancing, bathing faces in the morning dew of May to retain their youthful beauty
Customs:
maypole erection, dancing around the maypole, bonfires, jumping fire, mating, picking flowers, making flower baskets, frolicking throughout the countryside, archery tournaments, sword dances, feasting, drinking and music, moving the herds to high pasture
Foods:
dairy, honey, oats, red fruits, herbal salads, red/pink wine punch, large round oatmeal/barley cakes, sweets
Herbs:
almond, angelica, damiana, hawthorn, hibiscus, saffron, ash tree, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisy, frankincense, hawthorn, ivy, lilac, marsh marigold, meadowsweet, primrose, roses, satyrion root, woodruff, yellow cowslip, yarrow
Element/Gender:
air/male
Threshold:
dawn
top
Litha
Lesser Sabbat - Summer Solstice
circa June 21
AKA:
Midsummer, Letha, Feill-Sheathain (Scotland), Alban Hefin (Druidic), Alban Heruin, Midsummer's Eve, St. John's Eve, Bonfire Night,Gathering Day (Wales), the Feast of Epona (ancient Gaul) and Vestalia (ancient Rome).
Animals/Mythical beings:
wren, robin, horses, cattle, satyrs, faeries, firebird, dragon, thunderbird
Gemstones:
lapis lazuli, diamond, tiger’s eye, all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade
Incense/Oil:
heliotrope, saffron, orange, frankincense & myrrh, wisteria, cinnamon, mint, rose, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, pine
Colors/Candles:
blue, green, gold, yellow and red
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
the sun, oak, birch & fir branches, sun flowers, lilies, red/maize/yellow or gold flower, love amulets, seashells, summer fruits & flowers, feather/flower door wreath, sun wheel, fire, circles of stone, sun dials and swords/blades, bird feathers, Witches' ladder
Goddesses:
Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Venus, Aphrodite, Yemaya, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, all Goddesses of love, passion, beauty and the Sea, and Pregnant, lusty Goddesses, Green Forest Mother; Great One of the Stars, Goddess of the Wells
Gods:
Father Sun/Sky, Oak King, Holly King, Arthur, Gods at peak power and strength.
Essence:
humility, fire, partnership, nourishment, relationships, fertilization, nurturing
Dynamics/Meaning:
crowning of the Sun God, death of the Oak King, assumption of the Holly King, end the ordeal of the Green Man
Purpose:
rededication to the Lord and Lady, beginning of the harvest, honoring the Sun God, honoring the pregnant Godddess
Rituals/Magicks:
nature spirit/fey communion, planet healing, divination, love & protection magicks. The battle between Oak King, God of the waxing year & Holly King, God of the waning year (can be a ritual play), or act out scenes from the Bard’s(an incarnation of Merlin) "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", rededication of faith, rites of inspiration
Customs:
bonfires, processions, all night vigil, singing, feasting, celebrating with others, cutting divining rods, dowsing rods & wands, herb gathering, handfastings, weddings, Druidic gathering of mistletoe in oak groves, needfires, leaping between two fires, mistletoe(without berries, use as a protection amulet), women walking naked through gardens to ensure continued fertility, enjoying the seasonal fruits & vegetables, honor the Mother's fullness, richness and abundance, put garlands of St. John’s Wort placed over doors/ windows & a sprig in the car for protection
Foods:
honey, fresh vegetables, lemons, oranges, summer fruits, summer squash, pumpernickel bread, ale, carrot drinks, mead
Herbs:
anise, mugwort, chamomile, rose, wild rose, oak blossoms, lily, cinquefoil, lavender, fennel, elder, mistletoe, hemp, thyme, larkspur, nettle, wisteria, vervain( verbena), St. John’s wort, heartsease, rue, fern, wormwood, pine,heather, yarrow, oak & holly trees
Element/Gender:
fire
Threshold:
evening/dawn |
